Austria Orders 12 Leonardo M-346 F Aircraft

M-346 F Block 20 aircraft | Image: Leonardo

Leonardo has signed a contract to supply 12 M-346 F Block 20 aircraft to the Austrian Air Force, the company announced on December 17. The agreement was signed with the Italian Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness and covers aircraft delivery, training systems, and long-term support.

The contract includes the supply of the aircraft in a light fighter configuration, along with simulation systems for pilot and maintenance technician training. It also covers spare parts, ground equipment, and logistics and maintenance support for six years following the delivery of the first aircraft, which is scheduled for 2028.

Austria will receive the aircraft under the new M-346 F Block 20 standard. These aircraft are equipped with cockpits featuring a Large Area Display, an active electronically scanned array radar, a Link 16 data link, electronic countermeasures, and new weapons systems.

The M-346 F Block 20 will replace the Saab 105 aircraft, which was retired from Austrian service in 2020. The new aircraft will be used both as an advanced trainer and for lower-intensity operational missions. According to Leonardo, the platform also supports air-to-air and air-to-surface missions and can be integrated into live and simulated training environments.

The contract follows earlier agreements signed in 2022 and 2023 for the delivery of 36 AW169M Light Utility Helicopters to Austria. It also builds on Austria’s decision to use the International Flight Training School in Decimomannu, Italy, for fighter pilot training.

Stefano Bortoli, Managing Director of Leonardo’s Aeronautics Division, said, “We’re extremely proud of the launch of Austria’s M-346 programme,” saying it ‘confirms the international competitiveness of the M-346 system.’